Riding a motorbike is fun and freeing, but accidents happen—that’s why bike insurance is a must. Whether you ride a sports bike, cruiser, or scooter, having the right cover protects you and your wallet.
This guide explains everything—types of bike insurance, cheapest ways to get covered, top mistakes to avoid, and how to save money. Let’s get started!
What is Bike Insurance & Why Do You Need It?
Bike insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It covers:
✔ Damage to your bike (accidents, fire, theft).
✔ Injuries to others (if you cause a crash).
✔ Legal costs (if someone sues you).
Is Bike Insurance Mandatory in UK?
✅ YES! Riding without insurance is illegal—you could get a £300 fine + 6 penalty points.
Types of Bike Insurance in UK (2024)
1. Third Party Only (TPO) – Cheapest & Basic
✔ Covers: Damage/injury to other people (not you or your bike).
✔ Best for: Cheap, old bikes (not worth repairing).
✔ Cost: £150 – £500/year.
2. Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) – Mid-Range
✔ Covers: Third-party damage + theft/fire damage to your bike.
✔ Best for: Mid-value bikes (worth £1k-£5k).
✔ Cost: £200 – £700/year.
3. Comprehensive – Full Protection
✔ Covers: Third-party + your bike (accidents, theft, fire).
✔ Best for: New bikes, financed bikes, or riders who want peace of mind.
✔ Cost: £300 – £1,200/year (sometimes cheaper than TPFT!).
Wait… Comprehensive Can Be Cheaper?
✅ Yes! Insurers think comprehensive riders are safer, so sometimes offer lower prices.
How Much Does Bike Insurance Cost in UK?
The average UK biker pays £300 – £800/year, but your price depends on:
| Factor | How It Affects Price |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 25 = £800+, Over 30 = £300-£500 |
| Bike Type | Sports bike = expensive, Scooter = cheap |
| Location | London = high risk, Rural areas = cheaper |
| No Claims Bonus (NCB) | 5+ years NCB = 50%+ discount |
| Security | Alarms & trackers = lower premium |
Average UK Bike Insurance Costs (2024)
| Rider Age | Third Party Only | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | £500 – £1,500 | £800 – £2,500 |
| 21-25 | £300 – £900 | £500 – £1,500 |
| 26-30 | £200 – £600 | £300 – £900 |
| 31-50 | £150 – £400 | £250 – £700 |
| 50+ | £100 – £300 | £200 – £500 |
How to Get CHEAPER Bike Insurance
1. Increase Your Excess
✔ Higher voluntary excess = Lower premium.
❌ But don’t set it too high (you must pay this if you claim).
2. Build No Claims Bonus (NCB)
✔ 1 year NCB = 20-30% discount.
✔ 5+ years NCB = 60%+ discount!
3. Pay Annually (Not Monthly)
✔ Monthly payments add 10-20% interest.
4. Add Security
✔ Alarms, disc locks & trackers cut costs by 10-30%.
5. Compare Quotes Every Year
✔ Loyalty doesn’t pay—insurers increase prices for existing customers.
Common Bike Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Checking Policy Details – Some exclude track days or pillion cover.
❌ Lying About Modifications – Even aftermarket exhausts can void your policy.
❌ Auto-Renewing Without Checking – You could overpay by £200+.
❌ Not Storing Bike Securely – Left on street? Higher premium.
❌ Assuming TPFT is Cheaper – Sometimes comprehensive is cheaper!
Best Bike Insurance Companies in UK (2024)
🏆 Bikesure – Best for modified bikes.
🏆 MCE – Cheapest for young riders.
🏆 Carole Nash – Great classic bike cover.
🏆 Lexham – Best customer service.
🏆 Bennetts – Top all-round policies.
Pro Tip: Use comparison sites (CompareTheMarket, GoCompare) to find the best deal.
What Affects Your Bike Insurance Price?
✔ Age (young = expensive)
✔ Bike Power (1000cc = higher premium than 125cc)
✔ Where You Park (garage = cheaper than street)
✔ Claims History (more claims = higher cost)
✔ Mileage (more miles = higher risk)
FAQs About Bike Insurance in UK
❓ Can I ride other bikes with my insurance?
✅ Only if your policy includes DOC (Driving Other Bikes) cover (rare now).
❓ Does bike insurance cover gear?
✅ Sometimes—check if helmet & leathers are included.
❓ Can I cancel my policy early?
✅ Yes, but you may pay a fee (£50-£100).
❓ What’s a “black box” policy?
✅ Telematics insurance – Tracks your riding & rewards safe riders with discounts.
❓ How do I claim after an accident?
- Call your insurer ASAP.
- Take photos of damage.
- Get details from other driver (name, insurance, reg).
Final Verdict: How to Save on Bike Insurance
✅ Compare quotes every year (don’t auto-renew!).
✅ Increase excess (but keep it affordable).
✅ Build No Claims Bonus (biggest discount!).
✅ Add security (alarms = lower premiums).
✅ Consider black box if you’re young/new rider.
Start comparing now—you could save £300+ in minutes!
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